Should I skip the mid-flight stretching?

me ^ | November 20, 2001 | me

[testforecho]

I have to travel this week by plane. Pre 9/11 I would get up in flight, and do stretching exercises (to avoid blood clots, cramps, etc). I am reasonably healthy, and don't have to do this (I think.) Should I just take aspirin and do in-seat stretching? I don't want to get pummeled by zealous fellow passngers, so I am looking for advice. This is about two 3-hour flights strung together.

[Romulus]

Why not get to know your fellow passengers and establish your true-blue patriotism by beating them up first?

[MarkWar]

>I don't want to get pummeled by zealous fellow passngers, so I am looking for advice. This is about two 3-hour flights strung together.

Heck, why not just get up and go to the bathroom? That will stretch your legs and let your blood flow a bit. Plus, it doesn't look as funny as when you start spazzing around like Denise Austin in the aisle...

Mark W.

[Lady Jag]

Just do what I do. Hang a short piece of string out of your mouth for the whole flight. People will pretty much leave you alone.

[testforecho]

Plus, it doesn't look as funny as when you start spazzing around like Denise Austin in the aisle...

Yeah, something like that makes sense.

[mewzilla]

Talk to your doc, especially about the asprin. Deep vein thrombosis is no joke, but I think the risk is only worrisome or ral long haul flights. And there are exercises you can do in your seat. Again ask doc, or even the flight attendants, about the latter. Just remember, I am NOT a doc, didn't even stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night. :)

[SGCOS]

1.don't perform stretches during last 30 minutes of flight.
2. Don't make any sudden movements.
3. Announce your intentions, i.e.

"I'm getting up now. I'm going to stretch. Don't be alarmed"

4. Announce when you're finished.

[testforecho]

Thanks. Although I think the announcment would cause more alarm than it's worth, especially if I still have the string hanging out of my mouth (see post above.) I decided to post this after reading about that guy who was gang tackled going to the bathroom.

[Mat_Helm]

The blood clot problem is for longer flights that are 10 to 12 hours in length. 3 hour flights will not generaly cause a problem of dehydration and blood clots. If you are not overweight I would not worry about it.

[Clara Lou]

I would get up in flight, and do stretching exercises (to avoid blood clots, cramps, etc)
Give us --and your fellow passengers-- a break! (Hypochondria might be more of a concern for you.)

[SpottedBeaver]

Just order a whole bunch of those little bottles. After about a 'drink' or 20 you won't care about the 3 hour flight or stretching.... or anything for that matter. ;)

[onedoug]

The enemy doesn't want you to stretch. So smile at anyone who looks askance, and just do it.

[Random Access]

3. Announce your intentions, i.e.

"I'm getting up now. I'm going to stretch. Don't be alarmed"

Corollary 1.0 to rule 3.0
Do not make this announcement in Arabic.

[Always Right]

Whatever you do, don't crush the aspirin into a white powder.

[testforecho]

(Hypochondria might be more of a concern for you.)

LOL. Maybe a little. But then again a little exercise never hurt anyone. : )

[testforecho]

Whatever you do, don't crush the aspirin into a white powder.

Yes, especially near ventilation intakes. LOL.

[Lady Jag]

All kidding aside, I haven't had anything but normal flights. The only thing abnormal is the two hour wait at the gate after checking my bags at the curb. People get up and walk during the flight without getting any sidelong looks. Frankly, I think the media is hyping what's happening at the airports. I don't know if everyone will agree, but that's been my experience, everything is just as before, you just have to wait longer because they asked you get there early.

[garyhope]

I myself can't go 3 hours without moving or going to the toilet to relieve my aging bladder. Tell the flight attendant at the beginning of the flight that you have a bladder infection. I'm too fidgety to go 3 hours without moving. I get up and go hang out near the gallery pretending to wait for a available toilet or get a magazine from the magazine storage. Go to the toilet, close the door and do your exercises (with a little restraint. Do it a couple of times. You can do it. You will survive. Bon voyage.

[white trash redneck]

I agree with your assessment. We've flown four times since 9-11 (though NOT to Reagan National), and once on board, the drill is the same as before 9-11.

I love your suggestion about the string!